Apparatus and method for computer telephone integration in packet switched telephone networks

Abstract

A computer telephony interface (CTI) applications computer interfaces to a Internet telephony system which utilizes, preferably, the session initiation protocol (SIP). In one preferred technique, an additional pass through server is added to connect end users to their associated SIP proxy server, and to connect a CTI applications computer to the system.

Description

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS [0001] This application is a continuation-in-part of each of pending U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09 / 723,747, filed Nov. 28, 2000, and Ser. No. 09 / 805,501, filed Mar. 13, 2001, each of which is itself a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 08 / 955,834, filed on Oct. 21, 1997, now issued as U.S. Pat. No. 6,201,805.TECHNICAL FIELD [0002] This invention relates to computer telephone integration (CTI) and, more specifically, to an improved method and apparatus for utilizing CTI techniques in a packet switched telephone network. In specific enhanced embodiments, the invention allows advanced data networking features to be utilized for telephone calls routed over the Internet, and also allows telephony functions to be implemented in conjunction with remote applications computers over a data network utilizing a variety of packet telephony protocols. BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION [0003] Telephony over packet networks, particularly...

AI Technical Summary

Benefits of technology

The present invention is about an improved method and apparatus for utilizing computer telephone integration (CTI) in a packet switched telephone network. The invention allows advanced data networking features to be routed over packet networks, which is cost-efficient compared to traditional telephony. The invention also allows telephony functions to be implemented in conjunction with remote applications computers over a data network utilizing a variety of packet telephony protocols. The invention provides a CTI interface that interfaces with a plurality of external call processing applications programs that may be located on one or more remote computers. This interface allows for seamless integration with third party applications computers for the purpose of implementing call control, monitoring, and related functions. The invention also utilizes a combination of H.323 and SIP protocols to provide advanced CTI features. Overall, the invention provides a more efficient and flexible way to utilize CTI in packet switched telephone networks.

Problems solved by technology

Computer telephone integration (CTI) has been widely applied to traditional telephony methods and apparatus, but has not as yet been successfully applied to the methods and apparatus used for packet network telephony.

However, SIP methodologies also lack the ability to seamlessly interface to a third party applications computer for the purpose of implementing call control, monitoring, and related functions.

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